How proper oral hygiene reduces risk of cancer — Dental Therapist

A dental therapist, Ms Maria Onu, has stressed the need for people to embrace proper hygiene to reduce the risk of oral cancer.

She gave the advice on Thursday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Onu said that proper hygiene was the key to optimal oral health which keeps cancer away.

According to her, brushing, flossing and routine dental visits help to keep the teeth and gums in excellent condition.

She added that “regular dental visits also help your dentist detect and treat problems early before it gets worse.

“While the dentist may be able to repair teeth damaged by decay or gum disease, it’s always preferable to stop problems before they start and this is where good oral hygiene comes in.”

Onu said that other benefits of proper oral hygiene are healthier teeth and gums, a beautiful smile, fresher breath, and reduced need for dental work such as fillings, crowns, bridges, implants or dentures.

She also said that it ensures lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health concerns , adding that preventative dental care was more affordable than restorative or emergency dental care.

Onu identified some warning signs that could indicate oral health problems, with the most common signs being bleeding gums, tooth decay, chronic bad breath, loose teeth and gum recession.

Others are mouth sores that don’t go away, toothache, swelling of the jaw and gingivostomatitis, an infection of the mouth caused by certain bacteria or viruses.

To improve oral hygiene, the therapist advised brushing teeth at least twice a day.